Peter Passias, MD, has joined the Duke Spine Division as an associate chief, co-chair, medical director of the spine research program, and co-chair of the spine protocol review committee. Dr. Passias earned his MD at the State University of New York, Downstate Medical Center, performed his residency at Tufts University, and completed fellowships at the Hospital for Special Surgery and the Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions.
Welcome, Dr. Passias!
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Q&A with Dr. Passias
Q: What brings you joy personally?
A: My family brings me the greatest joy. I have a lovely wife who is a primary care physician whom I met in medical school, and we have four unique boys who keep us busy (Georgios, Theodoros, Elias, Aristides).
I also enjoy traveling abroad worldwide to see spine care in diverse settings and our annual trip to visit my remaining family in Greece. We enjoy several sports together, including windsurfing and sailing, and, of course, a routine hike together.
Q: What brings you joy professionally?
A: I enjoy tackling complex spinal cases but also have a secondary interest in novel technologies. Most importantly, I want the academic camaraderie and relationships I have developed through educational endeavors and collaboration.
Q: Your hometown – where are you from?
A: I was raised in New York City for most of my life and lived in Greece for a few years in my youth. During my education/training, I spent many years in Boston, where I met my wife. I have been operating in NY for 13 years and am very happy to work with many previous colleagues who have found a home at Duke.
Q: What excites you about this role at Duke?
A: I am honored to be welcomed to Duke's robust, diverse, and multifaceted spine division. Building on the work initiated, I look forward to expanding our academic and clinical recognition and prowess as a global center of unparalleled spine care, research, and development. Most importantly, I am thrilled to be able to work towards these goals with the individuals I already have existing relationships with and grow new ones with the talented staff that calls Duke home.